He’ll have experienced players who missed the midweek 48-0 crushing of Rochdale Hornets back available but the reserves who were drafted in have staked a claim.

One was his son Cory with a hat-trick of tries – something Aston senior never managed in 389 games for the club.

“Cory has something, he can play the game, he can kick a ball, pass a ball. The big thing that Cory has, that I didn’t have, is pace,” said Aston senior. “I was there to make tries, he’s there to make and score them. He has something and I’m really pleased for him.”

Aston junior got his chance with Dominic Brambani ruled out by a knee injury that ended a run of 139 consecutive games stretching back to when the half-back was at Dewsbury.

Brambani, Matt Garside and Michael Knowles could all be available as the Eagles go into their final two league games with a trip to second-placed Featherstone.

“We play Featherstone and what’s the team going to be?” said Aston. “Matty, Michael and Dom were missing (against Rochdale) and coming to the end of the season having them gives me a bit of excitement.”

The weekend off came because of the Challenge Cup final.

Aston added: “Scoring 48 points against Rochdale and keeping them to nil was a nice end to a tough spell. The lads will have enjoyed six days away from the club, they haven’t had time off all season.”